Gozo Boat Malta Stamp White Frame (19x19)

The ferry service between Malta and Gozo has operated for centuries. The earliest known boat, the "madia" or "tal-mogħdija," dates back to around 1241. By the 16th century, Gozo boats resembled brigantines. In the 1880s, they adopted a settee rig and were called "tal-latini." Trips ran from the Grand Harbour in Malta to Mġarr Harbour on Gozo, and occasionally to other destinations. Gozo boats were painted in shades of green, blue, red, and yellow, similar to the traditional luzzu. One boat, painted black, carried corpses between the islands.